GLASGOW Caledonian University has been criticised after perjurer Tommy Sheridan was allowed to address first-year social work students.
The former Glasgow MSP, who is unrepentant about his crime, lectured teenagers on electronic tagging as part of their course.
A university source said it was "surprising" the convicted criminal was approached and hoped the decision was made in an "open and transparent" way.
Sheridan, a one-time convener of the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP), famously sued the now-defunct News Of The World tabloid over claims he was a swinger who had attended Cupid's sex club in Manchester.
He won the 2006 defamation case but conflicting evidence during the trial led to a police investigation into whether any witnesses had lied under oath.
Sheridan was found guilty of perjury in 2010 and sentenced to three years in prison.
Crucial evidence in the perjury trial included senior SSP figures testifying that Sheridan had confessed to visiting Cupids.
Despite his conviction, Sheridan brands the witnesses from the SSP "political scabs".
The Sunday Herald can reveal that Sheridan appeared at Glasgow Caledonian University earlier this year as a guest lecturer for social work students.
Some criminals, such as disgraced former Tory cabinet minister Jonathan Aitken, have been praised for talking about their past, but only after admitting their crimes.
Eyebrows were raised about Sheridan's appearance, as the former Celebrity Big Brother contestant has never shown any remorse.
Sheridan addressed students as part of the "skills, technology and social work" module.
He spoke of his experience of wearing a tag, as well as answering questions on a range of issues including his Big Brother stint.
He was not paid for his services.
Sheridan's sister Lynn is listed as a social work lecturer at the University, but a spokesman for the organisations said she had not invited her brother.
Asked who did invite Sheridan, the spokesman said: "I don't give out the names of staff members."
A university source was critical of the invitation: "It is surprising that a perjurer, who is unrepentant about his crime, was allowed to address a group of students on this professionally accredited course.
"I would hope that the decision to give Mr Sheridan this opportunity was done in an open and transparent way, using proper university procedures."
Sheridan's attempts at regaining respectability have so far failed.
After he appeared on the BBC supporting a Yes vote in next year's referendum, SNP Cabinet Secretary John Swinney described Sheridan as a "man who has no political credibility whatsoever".
His anti-bedroom tax campaign was also criticised by SNP councillor Billy McAllister as a "shambolic movement, which Tommy instigated and organised so he could be chair".
A spokesman for Glasgow Caledonian University said: "Mr Sheridan, who was released from prison in January 2012 ... spoke to students about his experience of wearing an electronic tag - an example of the restrictive use of technology.
"Trained social workers are expected to work with those who have been fitted with such devices and Mr Sheridan offered an insight into the issues surrounding the use of restrictive technology from a service-user's perspective."
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